Henry Nowak killing: Grief, anger and questions

Available for 31 days

18‑year‑old Henry Nowak was stabbed to death as he walked home from a night out in Southampton in December 2025. His killer, 23‑year‑old Vickrum Digwa, claimed he was the victim of a racist attack, a lie later rejected in court, but one that shaped those crucial first minutes when police arrived. Police bodycam footage shows the 18-year-old Southampton university student being handcuffed and telling police "I can't breathe". Digwa was convicted of murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years. This is a heartbreaking case that has sparked a huge national conversation about policing, knife crime and race in Britain, with Sikh organisations and Sikh politicians condemning the murder and expressing solidarity with Henry’s family. Lawyer and TV host Harjap Bhangal and Jaskanwar Singh reflect on the lies told that night, the impact on Henry's loved ones and fears of a possible backlash against British Sikhs. The biggest stories affecting Asian Network listeners across the UK. With Amber Haque. Produced in Birmingham by Samsaara Productions for BBC Asian Network.